Cannabis Ruderalis: Built for the Chill

Ruderalis is an uncultivated strain native to Russia, central Europe and central Asia and is well adapted to the harsher environments found in these locations. Whether seen as a variation on the single cannabis species or as a distinct species in itself, Ruderalis types of cannabis are most likely descended from Indica varieties which, in turn, are probably descended from Sativas.

A typical Cannabis Ruderalis plant is very short in height, often between 30cm and 80cm when fully grown. It produces only a few branches and has wide, fat-bladed leaves, similar to those of Cannabis Indica. Once flowering begins, Ruderalis will gain even less height than an Indica strain. Therefore it is sometimes referred to as dwarf cannabis or bonsai cannabis.

The auto-flowering ability of Cannabis Ruderalis

Nearly all flowering plants take their cue to reproduce from seasonal changes in the climate, particularly the number of hours of daylight. The ability to begin flowering based on changes in the plant instead of its environment is known as ‘auto-flowering’. This is the most notable characteristic of the Ruderalis strain, its capacity to flower (and therefore reproduce) according to an individual plant’s age.

Cannabis Ruderalis will begin flowering when it achieves a certain stage of maturity – normally after about five to seven weeks of growth. Once Cannabis Ruderalis has begun flowering, it continues to do so until other environmental factors (most notably winter) cause the plant to die. The other varieties of cannabis may expire naturally once they have accomplished reproduction.

While the plant may not interest many—if any—recreational users, the lack of THC and high volume of CBD in cannabis ruderalis allows users to reap the medical benefits without experiencing the high that comes with conventional marijuana consumption. Users have been particularly satisfied with the medical benefits from indica-dominant hybrid strains with heavy ruderalis influence. It’s perfect for those who may be attracted to the medical benefits of the plant, but are deterred from using it due to its high-inducing effects. Cannabis ruderalis virtually eliminates the high that THC usually gives a medicinal user. This means that medicinal marijuana may be able to progress and detach itself from the “stoner” stigma that comes along with the prescription.